Tim Burton's biographical film 'Ed Wood' (1994), presents the fascinating career of ambitious film director Edward Davis Wood, Jr (1924 - 1978). Responsible for films such as Glen or Glenda (1953), Bride of the Monster (1955) and Plan 9 from Outer Space (1958), Ed Wood is renown for perhaps being the worst film director of all time.
The film itself is actually quite charming as we are presented with a passionate and ambitious man who simply aspires to become a great film director, such as the likes of Orson Welles and his phenomenal hit of Citizen Kane (1941). We see Ed Wood's attempts at directing his films of Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 from Outer Space, where despite his struggles from lack of funding and continuous rejection, Woods remains optimistic and driven to try and try again.
Surprisingly, it seemed the people Woods worked with seemed all to happy to follow orders, rather than to their raise objections at some poorly shot scenes. His famous line after each shot 'That was perfect!' becomes all to ironic as we know he seems destined to fail.
His friendship with actor Béla Lugosi, famous for his role as Count Dracula, is amusing as it is touching. An old tired actor and a young failing director - the two supported each other throughout hard times. Where Woods personal conflict to be accepted as a cross-dresser, is strange at best and only serves to further emphasise his struggle to be accepted as a serious film director.
Overall, Tim Burton's portrayal of Ed Woods (played by Johnny Depp) presents a misguided individual whose passion and excitement in film making, while infectious, is not enough to win the hearts of the audience in his films. Ironically, it seems Woods has finally obtained his fame as director, if for all the wrong reasons.
The film itself is actually quite charming as we are presented with a passionate and ambitious man who simply aspires to become a great film director, such as the likes of Orson Welles and his phenomenal hit of Citizen Kane (1941). We see Ed Wood's attempts at directing his films of Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 from Outer Space, where despite his struggles from lack of funding and continuous rejection, Woods remains optimistic and driven to try and try again.
Surprisingly, it seemed the people Woods worked with seemed all to happy to follow orders, rather than to their raise objections at some poorly shot scenes. His famous line after each shot 'That was perfect!' becomes all to ironic as we know he seems destined to fail.
His friendship with actor Béla Lugosi, famous for his role as Count Dracula, is amusing as it is touching. An old tired actor and a young failing director - the two supported each other throughout hard times. Where Woods personal conflict to be accepted as a cross-dresser, is strange at best and only serves to further emphasise his struggle to be accepted as a serious film director.
Overall, Tim Burton's portrayal of Ed Woods (played by Johnny Depp) presents a misguided individual whose passion and excitement in film making, while infectious, is not enough to win the hearts of the audience in his films. Ironically, it seems Woods has finally obtained his fame as director, if for all the wrong reasons.
